Heart & Vascular Program

Heart Health

Diseases & Conditions: Women & Heart Disease

In recent years, the prevalence of heart disease among women has
dramatically increased. Today it is the number one cause of death
and sickness in Canadian women. The cardiac risk factors for both
men and women are the same, but women are more commonly affected
with heart disease at a later age than men.

Women are at an increased risk of heart disease after menopause.
Pre-menopausal women are protected from heart disease by the hormones
estrogen and progestin. Estrogen levels decrease after menopause,
resulting in changing cholesterol levels. Decreased estrogen is also
associated with weight gain, another risk factor.

Research to determine long-term preventative benefits of hormonal
replacement therapy suggests it may not be beneficial to protect
women from coronary heart disease. Please consult with your doctor
for further information.